Commercial Lending Strategic Planning

Bob Bazargan

*********@*****.*** • 518-***-****

LinkedIn • NY, 12110 USA

Executive Profile

Commercial Banking Advisor New Business Development Business Acquisitions & Merger

Accomplished leader with over 20 years of progressive experience in commercial banking, new business development, and relationship management within the financial services industry. A strategic planner and financial expert with a proven track record in origination, cross-selling, credit underwriting, and structuring complex financial solutions. Adept at developing strong relationships with clients, sponsors, and key stakeholders to drive deal flow and revenue. Recognized for successfully leading commercial lending teams and optimizing portfolios through risk management and profit optimization.

High-integrity and results-oriented professional known for ability to envision and gain successful outcomes in complex situations. Demonstrated ability to quickly analyze key business data and develop solutions for bottom line growth. Leverages proven expertise in cost control, process restructuring, revenue growth, and profit optimization. A trusted advisor and discerning partner to senior management with practical experience in key business functions, including operations, accounting, finance, procurement and business development. Possess a technical fluency in software and business intelligence systems that improve efficiency, productivity, and performance. Refined communication, negotiation, and leadership skills with record of success as demonstrated through delivery of strong and sustainable financial gains in highly competitive business markets.

Areas of Expertise

New Business Origination & Relationship Management

Credit Quality Monitoring & Risk Management

Financial Analysis & Reporting

Cross-Selling of Financial Services

Strategic Planning & Execution

Mentorship & Team Leadership

Customer Service & Satisfaction

Regulatory Compliance

Continuous Process Improvement

Industry Expertise & Market Knowledge

Career Experience

First New York Federal Credit Union, Albany/Hudson Valley - NY July 2022 – Present

Managing Director of Commercial Lending Department

Direct commercial lending activities, leading growth strategies to achieve financial objectives.

Originate new business through relationship development with sponsors, borrowers, and the business community, resulting in portfolio growth.

Advised CEO and board on commercial lending investments and operational strategies, directing policies, plans, and programs.

Provided guidance to the Chief Information Officer, SVP-Branch Administration, and SVP-BSA/Compliance.

Implemented business unit strategies, cultivating vital relationships with centers of influence and the business community.

Strengthened credit monitoring programs and risk mitigation efforts, maintaining relationships with key stakeholders to support credit extensions and portfolio growth.

Rhinebeck Bank, Albany/Hudson Valley - NY Jun 2021 – July 2022

Regional Commercial Banking Team Leader / SVP

Developed a new portfolio of commercial clients, generating $23MM in new funded debt, $1.3MM in DDA, and $800K in fee income.

Spearheaded cross-functional collaboration to ensure credit quality and mitigate risk in the loan approval and closing process.

Successful in acquiring referral opportunities through utilization of professional relationships with key clients and promotion of various banking products/services.

Oversaw a team of lenders, optimizing performance, revenue, and profitability (ROE) in key regional markets.

Citizens Bank, Albany/Hudson Valley, NY Dec 2019 – Jun 2021

Senior Business Banking Relationship Manager / VP

Managed a diverse portfolio of 45 commercial banking clients with annual revenues up to $500MM. Self-sourced eight new commercial banking clients, resulting in $35MM in new funded debt, $8MM in new commercial deposit.

Led cross-selling initiatives, adding $1.6MM in new fee income through treasury management and interest rate protection products.

Community Bank Systems Inc. Albany/Syracuse - NY Apr 2018 – Dec 2019

Commercial Banking Manger / VP

Established a De Novo commercial lending business and built a portfolio of C&I clients, generating $28MM in new C&I loans and $800K in new fee.

Coordinated with portfolio managers to ensure ongoing client satisfaction and compliance with reporting requirements.

KeyBank formally First Niagara Bank, Albany/Hudson Valley, NY May 2012 – Apr 2018

Senior Commercial Banking Relationship Manger / VP

Manage and grew a $90MM portfolio of C&I commercial relationships with annual revenues of up to $500MM, increasing the portfolio by $42MM in new funded debt, $23MM in new DDA deposits, and $1.8MM in new fee income.

Managed a $90MM portfolio, increasing it by $42MM in new funded debt and achieving $1.8MM in new fee income.

Ranked 2nd out of 195 Senior Relationship Managers nationwide for revenue and contribution margin optimization.

Recognized as senior commercial banking relationship manager of the Year Signature Circle winner, consecutively for three years 2016, 2017, and 2018.

Additional Experience

Senior District Credit Officer / VP, HSBC Bank, Albany/Hudson Valley, NY

Senior Business Banking Relationship Manager II / VP, HSBC Bank, White Plains, NY

Certified Business Specialist, Fleet Boston Financial

Banking Officer, The Bank of New York

Marketing Research Assistant, State University of New York, New Paltz

Education

Masters of Business Administration - Concentration: Finance

State University of New York at New Paltz

Bachelor of Social Science – Concentration: Marketing

State University of New York at New Paltz

Professional Development / License

Formal Credit Training – HSBC Commercial Bank

Certified in International SBA Financing – Export–Import Bank of the United States

Licensed New York State Property & Casualty Broker

Affiliations & Leadership

Past Board of Directors Member, The College of Saint Rose Huether School of Business Advisory Board

Past Board of Directors Member, State University of New York at New Paltz School of Business Advisory Board

Past Board Member, New Horizons Foundation – Finance Committee

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